INDEPENDENT Jeff McCloy will take the top job as Newcastle lord mayor, after campaigning with an agenda against the heavy rail line through the CBD. The win comes after controversy on polling day, when former jockey Allan Robinson turned his back on running mate Aaron Buman with little warning and instead handed out pre-authorised "Vote Robbo" cards that backed Jeff McCloy for lord mayor. Mr McCloy's closest competitor, Labor's Nuatali Nelmes, said she could not overhaul his tally with preferences. New councillors have yet to be confirmed, however Mr McCloy's support for Liberal candidates helped deliver at least four council seats. Labor has also secured four council seats, one in each ward. They will be joined by The Greens' Michael Osborne in Ward 1 and Independent Allan Robinson in Ward 4. At this stage, the final spot in Ward 2 is being fought between The Greens' Therese Doyle who has about 16 per cent of the vote, and the Liberals, who won more than 40 per cent. The final seat in Ward 3 is also yet to be determined.

McCloy to be mayor

INDEPENDENT Jeff McCloy will take the top job as Newcastle lord mayor, after campaigning with an agenda against the heavy rail line through the CBD.

The win comes after controversy on polling day, when former jockey Allan Robinson turned his back on running mate Aaron Buman with little warning and instead handed out pre-authorised "Vote Robbo" cards that backed Jeff McCloy for lord mayor.

Mr McCloy's closest competitor, Labor's Nuatali Nelmes, said she could not overhaul his tally with preferences.

New councillors have yet to be confirmed, however Mr McCloy's support for Liberal candidates helped deliver at least four council seats.

Labor has also secured four council seats, one in each ward.

They will be joined by The Greens' Michael Osborne in Ward 1 and Independent Allan Robinson in Ward 4.

At this stage, the final spot in Ward 2 is being fought between The Greens' Therese Doyle who has about 16 per cent of the vote, and the Liberals, who won more than 40 per cent.